Introduced to clothes washing and drying machines

ABSTRACT

Improvements introduced to clothes and drying machines, according to which the application of the innovative circumscribed ring-motor ( 1 ) is established, and now also the flat ring-motor ( 6 ) and its respective variations, in mini washing machines and mini-clothes dryers. The circumscribed ring-motor ( 1 ) and the flat ring-motor ( 6 ) properly encapsulated and protected from contact with water, considerably substitute various normal mechanical components necessary for the movement of the tub ( 20 ) and washing such as belts, pulleys, gears and gearbox. The constructive simplicity of the motor permits pat of it to be coupled on the surface of the washing chamber, tub ( 20 ) on the lid ( 21 ) or on the outside botton part of the machine, generating the alternate circular movement of the washing chamber, tub ( 20 ) directly or indirectly without the assitance of secondary parts, thus permiting a vast number of variations and allowing the tube ( 20 ) to be removed at the end of the washing process and serve to transport the clothing.

This report refers to an Invention Patent that addresses improvementsintroduced in clothes washing machines and dryers. These improvementsare essentially characterized b the fact that they introduce two newtypes of electric motors in the construction of the aforementionedequipment.

As known by the technical expert, clothes washing machines in general,also called washers, are basically characterized by accelerating theclothes washing process by means of the friction created by theresulting movement inside the washing chamber (tub).

There is a wide variety of washing machines and washing systems on themarket. Generally speaking, there are two representative systems:washing by tumbling and by agitation.

In their basic configuration, conventional washing machines use water orwater vapor (which is considered a universal solvent), and a chemicalagent, considered a facilitator for the loosening of dirt, such as soappowder, among others.

As mentioned above, in the washing system by tumbling, the clothing isplaced inside the washing chamber (tub), which is arranged horizontallyand receives the circular movement of the motor through a belt andpulley and starts to revolve 360¹ around an axis. The water, clothingand chemical agent accompany the circular movement of the tub until theyreach its upper part, after which the tub falls, forced downwards by theforce of gravity, promoting the collision and friction of the water andclothing with the surface of the basket, thus loosening of dirt.

According to this conception, the clothing is not totally submersed,hence less water is required than with washing by agitation, where theclothing is totally submersed. In this type of machine the clothing isloaded from the front (door), obliging consumers to lean down, thusrepresenting an ergonomic problem.

In some machines that wash by tumbling, the water is substituted bywater vapor (dry cleaning), and the soap powder by other chemical agents(products), including perchloretylene, Dry Part and Acqua Clean.

In washing by agitation, the movement of the water, clothing andchemical agent contained inside the tub is induced by the alternatehorizontal movement of the axis with blades located at the center of theactual tub.

Hence the alternate movement of the respective axis with blades insidethe tub represents the element responsible for friction between thewater and clothing, and consequently for the loosening of dirt. However,the direct contact between the axis with blades and the clothing reducesthe useful life of fabrics.

In this conception, the clothing is totally submersed, contributingtowards a relatively high consumption of water. Furthermore, the motoris constantly required to promote the alternate horizontal movement ofthe axis with blades, thus increasing the amperage and consequently theconsumption of electric power. In this system the clothing is accessedfrom the top of the machine (lid), thus guaranteeing better ergonomics.

In machines that operate by agitation, the concentration of clothing inthe lower and upper part of the washing chamber remains almostunaltered, thus promoting a differentiated kind of wash.

In parallel, with conventional dryers the tumblers, which are usuallyhorizontal and cylindrical, rotate 360¹ around an axis together with theclothing at a fixed speed that decreases after the upper part of the tubis reached. Hot air is simultaneously introduced in the tub from a fanpositioned at the back, top or lower part of this tub, which provokesthe flow of air by a heated element. Once heated, the air circulatesnaturally around the tub and consequently over the surface of theclothing, drying it.

Motors in clothes dryers only execute the task of rotating the tank at aconstant low speed of around 50 rpm; in washing machines the tubs rotateat two speeds, one for washing and the other for spinning, hence theyneed different motors.

This is the basic configuration of the two most representative systemsof clothes washing machines and dryers.

In the prior patent application from the same applicant, PL-9806475-4,the tumbling of the spherical tub was executed in two directionssimultaneously and for this purpose established the use of two motors,one to execute the 360° turn around an “x” axis and the other to executethe 360¹ turn around a “Y” axis. In this case, the actual surface of thewashing tank was used to fix a part of the second motor; in this manner,a second motor was obtained, consisting of a belt or ring of induced orinductors covered by plastic and fastened to the middle point of thesurface of the tank to isolate the current; the other part of the motor,comprising another ring of induced or inductors sealed off from contactwith water was coupled to the internal surface of the supporting arch,which covered the entire tank, and consequently the ring or belt ofinduced or inductors at its middle point. Hence the elements thatcomprise an electric motor were obtained i.e., inductor and induced. Anelectric current was supplied to this assembly in order to generate amagnetic field that executed the 360° turn around the second axis.

Thus a series of technical and operational advantages was obtained incomparison with conventional clothes washers.

Continuing with studies and research on the topic, the Applicant has nowdeveloped other forms and variations of the innovative electric motorand its respective applications.

The purpose of this patent is to substantially alter the concept ofconventional clothes washing and drying machines in order to provide forthe application of the innovative ring-motor concept (circumscribed) andnow also of the flat ring-motor and respective variations, in miniclothes washing and drying machines that are more compact than currentones. The circumscribed and flat ring-motor, encapsulated with plasticand protected from contact with water applied directly or Indirectly onthe surface of the tank or tub serves as an excellent substitute forvarious normal mechanic components necessary for the movement of thewashing tub, such as belts, pulleys, gears and gearbox, thus generatingnew advantages.

These advantages include the optimization of the washing process, withconsequent economy of water, space and electric power, since the washingprocess is executed in a compact machine with much smaller dimensionsthan current ones, which on average wash 5 kg and consume around 240liters of water in their total cycle.

Another advantage of a constructive nature consists of the applicationof the aforementioned electric motor concept to the compact machine ormini washer mini dryer concept, thus facilitating their construction andbalancing further to simplifying their use.

Another advantage refers to the fact that part of the ring-motor can becoupled on the surface of the tank, of the tub, of the lid, of the axiswith blades or on the outside lower part of the tank, generating thecircular or alternate movement of the washing chamber (tub) directly orindirectly without the assistance of secondary parts. In this manner thecomponents are optimized the machine is consequently compacted.

The combination of the compact machine and circumscribed ring-motor orflat ring-motor (with flat active sides facing each other) concepts canbe applied to the agitation system (vertical cylindrical tanks) and tothe tumbling system (horizontal cylindrical tanks), only now withreduced dimensions and with a specific internal anatomy thatoccasionally substitutes the axis with blades.

Another advantage is the possibility of coupling part of this motor(estator) on the surface of the machine door while the other part(rotor) can be coupled on the surface of the tub. Hence when the door ofthe machine is opened, the rotor is automatically separated from thestator, turning it off and expanding the use and application of theconcept.

An additional advantage refers to the fact that the tub can beoptionally removed at the end of the washing process and serve totransport the clothing.

Another advantage is related to the fact that we can use the electricring-motor as an autonomous and independent component of the clothes tubassembly, that can therefore be coupled circumstantially to executespecific tasks, in tanks of varied dimensions suited to the quantity ofclothing.

Yet another advantage refers to the fact that the parts of thering-motor, i.e., rotor and stator, are independently encapsulated inplastic, thus guaranteeing sealing against water and the insulation ofthe current. For this purpose when the aforementioned parts aremanufactured they will be injected with plastic or ferrite (syntherized)and subsequently polymerized.

The reduction of mechanic parts allows for a wider range of uses ofelectronic components that add value and functionality to the washingmachine.

The circumscribed ring-motor must be differentiated from the flat ring-motor. The former type has the basic components of a conventional motor:rotor (permanent magnets, electromagnets or even a squirrel grid) andstator (coil), only in this case in a ring format, with one ringcircumscribed to the other, i.e., one ring (rotor) with a smallerdiameter totally covered by another ring (stator) with a large diameteror vice versa, thus obtaining the elements that form an electric motor,i.e., inductor and induced. An electric current is induced to thisplastically encapsulated assembly protected from contact with water togenerate a magnetic field, which drives the circular movement of therotor around an axis.

The flat ring-motor has the same components: rotor and ring-stator, onlyarranged in parallel, with the active sides of their rings facing,contrary to the previous one whose rings are circumscribed. Hence thering or rotor disc with its permanent magnets are positionedequidistantly and with their active side facing the active side of thering or coiled stator disc. However, in the two previous designs, it ispossible to substitute the permanent magnets of the ring or rotor discwith a magnetic belt or squirrel grid, thus adapting the construction ofthe motor to the implicit requirements, whether for a synchronous orasynchronous motor.

The use of permanent magnets is indicated in synchronous motors as wehave precise control of the RPM (rotation per minute) and of the speed.In asynchronous motors where “slipping” is a known feature, the RPM andspeed control are imprecise.

The ring format of the motor permits the arrangement of a greater numberof permanent magnets on its surface, and respectively, a greater numberof poles, making for a wide range of variations from high to reducedspeeds automatically, without the need for a mechanic speed reducer(gearbox).

The larger the quantity of poles and permanent magnets the greater thespeed reduction possibility, and the better the physical-magneticproperties of the magnets, the fewer magnets required.

The use of natural or polymerized ferrite (syntherized) magnets in therotor naturally establishes protection against the action of water anddoes away with the need for subsequent encapsulation. The use ofneodimeo magnets that are naturally more powerful reduces the number ofnecessary magnets in comparison to other less powerful ones.

Based on this, we can specifically use a BDC type Brushless motor,consisting of a stator ring with an embricado type three phase bearingwith 90 poles, covered by a magnetic core (crown of the stator) withoutteeth, and a rotor ring consisting of 90 permanent magnets arranged inparallel and equidistantly, supported by a magnetic conductor (rotorcrown). The stator bearings are supplied with power by an “drive”, witha single phase 220V inlet.

However, by altering the number of permanent magnets, and consequentlypoles an ample constructive variation is obtained, suited to needswithout altering the original concept.

Hence in other possible variations a BDC type Brushless motor isestablished, consisting of a stator ring with embricado type three phasebearing, with an “N” number of poles (suited to the necessary power andspeed), covered by a toothless magnetic core (stator crown) and a rotorring, consisting of an “N” number of permanent magnets arranged inparallel and equidistantly, supported by a magnetic conductor arch(rotor ring).

The supply and control of the speed and rotation of the motor isexecuted by an electronic Drive device that controls and establishes alow speed for washing and a higher one for spinning.

The application of part of the ring-motor on the body of the tank andtub represents a considerable advantage, since the surface of the objectto be spun is used to guarantee its mounting. However, the same motorcomponents, i.e., rotor and stator, do not operate separately, hence thepatent establishes the assembly of the ring- motor independently, forthe distance and alignment of its rings (rotor and stator) to bemaintained unaltered, and for the motor to effectively perform thefunction for which it is designed.

One of the forms of independent assembly consists of coupling the motorcomponents, i.e., rotor and stator respectively, on the surface of twodiscs arranged in parallel; the first equipped with a hole and centralbearing and the second equipped with an activating axis coupled at itscenter. This axis fits into and overreaches the hole and the bearing ofthe first disc, thus maintain the assembly mounted and aligned.

Another form is to apply the components of the ring-motor, i.e., rotorand stator , to the surface of the rings of a bearing with specificdimensions and properties, thus transforming the simple bearing into a“ring-motor bearing”, i.e., a bearing with a coupled electric motor inits body.

The basic configuration of conventional bearings consists of an internalring and another external ring, separated by one or two tracks ofspheres or ring rollers that guarantee the concentricity, assembly andindependent movement of the rings.

This set of innovations serves to simplify the construction of themachines, reducing the number of component parts and making theviability of the new concept effectively more concrete.

On the other hand, this set of innovations also applies to conventionalsimple tumbling washers and dryers (horizontal cylindrical tanks) andwashers and dryers that operate by agitation (vertical cylindricaltanks). With the application of the innovations developed here in theaforementioned conventional machines, these become more compact, lighterand substantially simpler, both in constructive and operational terms.

The subject matter of this patent will be described in detail withreference to the drawings listed below, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates the components of the circumscribed ring-motor ormagnet of the parts, i.e., the permanent magnet rotor, totallycircumscribed by the permanent magnets, totally circumscribed by thestator;

FIG. 2 illustrates the rotor of the circumscribed ring-motor separately;

FIG. 3 Illustrates the rotor and stator of the circumscribed motorarranged separately;

FIG. 4 illustrates the rotor of the circumscribed ring-motor using amagnetic belt or squirrel grid to substitute the permanent magnets;

FIG. 5 illustrates the rotor of the flat ring-motor;

FIG. 6 Illustrates the rotor and stator of the flat ring-motor arrangedin parallel and with their active sides turned towards each other;

FIG. 7 shows a variation of the flat ring-motor using a magnetic belt orsquirrel grid to substitute the permanent magnets of the rotor;

FIG. 8 illustrates the independent assembly of the circumscribedring-motor with the rotor and stator mounted on the surface of the twodiscs arranged in parallel and interconnected at the center by an axis;

FIG. 9 illustrates a partial cross-section of another form ofindependent assembly of the circumscribed ring-motor, only coupled onthe surface of a bearing;

FIG. 10 presents a blown-up view of the assembly described in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 illustrates the independent assembly of the flat ring-motor withthe rotor and stator, mounted on the surface of two discs arranged inparallel and interconnected at the center by an axis;

FIGS. 12 to 14 illustrate possible forms of mounting the circumscribedring-motor in mini washing machines with vertical cylindrical tanks inthe agitation system;

FIGS. 15 to 17 illustrate possible forms of assembly of thecircumscribed ring-motor in mini washing machines with horizontalcylindrical tanks that wash by tumbling;

FIGS. 18 to 20 illustrate possible forms of assembly of the flatring-motor In mini washing machines with vertical cylindrical tanks thatwash by agitation;

FIGS. 21 to 23 show possible forms of assembly of the flat ring-motor inmini washing machines with horizontal cylindrical tanks that wash bytumbling;

FIGS. 24 to 26 illustrate possible forms of assembly of thecircumscribed ring-motor in mini washing machines with tiltedcylindrical tanks that wash by tumbling;

FIGS. 27 to 29 show possible forms of assembly of the flat ring-motor inmini washing machines with tilted cylindrical tanks that wash bytumbling;

FIGS. 30 and 31 respectively illustrate possible forms of assembly ofthe circumscribed and flat ring-motors in mini washing machines withvertical cylindrical tanks in the agitation system, only using an axiswith blades to promote the movement of the water and clothing directly;

FIGS. 32 and 33 illustrate possible forms of assembly of thecircumscribed and flat ring-motor in mini washing machines with verticalcylindrical tanks in the agitation system, using an axis with blades,only separated from direct contact with the clothing by a perforatedgrid;

FIGS. 34 to 36 illustrate possible forms of assembly of thecircumscribed ring-motor in mini washing machines with horizontalcylindrical tanks;

FIGS. 37 to 39 illustrate possible forms of assembly of the flatring-motor in mini washing machines with horizontal cylindrical tanks;

FIG. 40 illustrates the components of the circumscribed ring-motor, i.e.rotor and stator, mounted separately and independently, of the tank andtub assembly, transforming the aforementioned motor into an autonomouscomponent now called an agitator;

FIG. 41 illustrates the agitator, now using the components of a flatring-motor, i.e., rotor and stator; and

FIG. 42 shows the agitator totally mounted and encapsulated with thecentral axis.

FIG. 1 illustrates the electric circumscribed ring- motor 1, previouslymentioned in an upper perspective view o with rotor 2, of permanentmagnets 3, surrounded by the stator ring (coil) 4, which totallycircumscribes it. An electric current is induced to this assembly inorder to generate a magnetic field that causes the circular or alternatemovement of rotor 2 around an axis.

FIG. 2 illustrates the rotor ring 2 of the circumscribed ring-motor 1separately with its permanent magnets 3, arranged in parallel andequidistantly, over its surface.

FIG. 3 illustrates the rotor ring 2, with its permanent magnets 3, andthe stator ring 4, of the circumscribed ring-motor 1, arrangedseparately.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective of the rotor 2 of the circumscribedring-motor 1, using a squirrel grid or magnetic belt 5, to substitutethe permanent magnets 3.

FIG. 5 illustrates the ring or rotor disc 7 of the flat ring-motor 6separately, with its permanent magnets 8, arranged equidistantly, overits surface.

FIG. 6 illustrates the ring or rotor disk 7, and the ring or stator disk9, of the flat ring-motor 6, arranged in parallel with their activesides facing each other.

FIG. 7 illustrates the variation of the flat ring-motor concept 6, withthe front of the stator ring 9, turned to the front of the rotor ring 7,a rotor with a squirrel grid or magnetic belt 10 coupled on its surfaceto substitute the permanent magnets 8.

FIG. 8 shows an independent form of mounting the ring-motor, including acircumscribed ring-motor 1, with the stator ring 4, mounted on theinternal perimeter structure of a disc 11, with a hole 12 in its center.This disc totally circumscribes the rotor ring 2, a rotor which in turnis coupled on the external perimeter surface of another disc 13, whichtransmits the circular or alternate movement of the rotor 2 through anaxis 14, positioned in the center of the disc 13, which overreaches thecentral hole 12 of the disc 11. In turn, this hole has a fitted bearing15, which surrounds and supports the axis 14, thus guaranteeing themovement of the rotor ring 2, further to the mounting and alignment ofthe assembly.

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view with a cross-section of another form ofindependent assembly on the surface of a bearing (R). For this purpose acircumscribed ring-motor 1 is provided for, in which the rotor ring 2and the stator ring 4 are respectively coupled on the surface of theinternal bearing rings 16 and external bearing 17 of a bearing (R). Inthis case the external surface of the internal bipartite bearing ring 16is used to fix a part of the circumscribed ring-motor 1, i.e., the rotor2, and on the internal surface of the external bearing ring 17 the otherpart of the circumscribed ring-motor 1, i.e., the stator 4, or viceversa, separated by two tracks of spheres or ring rollers 18, whichguarantee the concentricity, assembly and independent movement of therings, with the advantage of having cleared the central space or core ofthe rings to fix the object to be rotated directly in this space.

FIG. 10 highlights the detail of the mounting of the assembly describedin FIG. 9, where the following components can be seen: rotor 2, stator4, internal bearing ring 16 and external bearing ring 17 and track ofspheres or ring rollers 18 of the circumscribed motor 1.

FIG. 11, in the same way as FIG. 8, Illustrates the independent mountingof the ring-motor, only in its flat ring configuratiori, i.e., flatring-motor 6, with part, i.e., with the stator ring 9 mounted on thefront of a disc 11, which has a hole 12 in its center. This entire discfaces the rotor ring 7 in parallel, and the rotor is coupled on thefront of another disc 13, which transmits the circular or alternatemovement of the rotor 7 through an axis 14, positioned in the center ofthe disc 13, which overreaches the central hole 12 of the disc 11. Inturn, this hole has a fitted bearing 15, which surrounds and supportsthe aforementioned part further to the mounting and alignment of theentire assembly.

The innovations arising from the use of the ring-motor permit operatingadvantages, including the possibility of using the actual surface of thebasket and tank to fix part of the ring-motor.

The subject matter of this patent refers to “Improvements Introduced toClothes Washing and Drying Machines”, according to which, to execute thecircular or alternate movement of the washing tub in the so-calledagitation system with a vertical cylindrical tank, the followingcomponents are provided for: an encapsulated circumscribed ring-motor 1,with part, i.e., the stator ring 4, supported on the outside lowersurface of the water containment tank (tank) 19, which entirelycircumscribes the rotor ring 2, which in turn is coupled on the surfaceof a disc 13, and transmits the circular and alternate circular movementof the rotor 2, to the perforated washing chamber (tub) 20 containingthe clothing, through a central axis 14, positioned in the center of thedisc 13, which overreaches the aforementioned tank 19, and touches thetub 20, thus causing its circular or alternate movement and permittingthe optional removal of the aforementioned tub 20 at the end of thewashing process (pursuant to FIG. 12).

To make the alternate circular movement of the tub 20 in the agitationsystem in a more simplified manner, we have developed other forms. Oneof these consists of using the actual immobile top surface of the tank19 to fix a part of the circumscribed ring-motor 1, i.e., the stator 4,properly encapsulated and protected from contact with water; and theother part of the motor, consisting of the rotor 2, also encapsulated inplastic, coupled to the top surface of the tub 20 and totally covered bythe stator ring 4, thus obtaining the elements of an electric motor,i.e.: rotor and stator that execute the alternate circular movement ofthe tub and at the end of the washing process permit the optionalremoval of the tub to transport the clothing, together with the rotor 2(pursuant to FIG. 13).

FIG. 14 illustrates another advantage concerning the possibility ofcoupling part of this encapsulated circumscribed ring-motor 1 on thesurface of lid 21 of the washing machine, i.e., stator 4, while theother part, the encapsulated rotor 2, can be coupled on the surface ofthe tub 20, permitting the circular and alternate movement of theaforementioned tub 20, thus expanding the use and application of theconcept in the so-called agitation system, although emphasizing theimportance of keeping the distance and alignment of the rotor 2 inrelation to the stator 4, unaltered.

In addition, we can apply the innovative concepts illustrated above inthe agitation system with vertical cylindrical tub to the so-calledtumbling system with a horizontal cylindrical tub.

Hence FIG. 15 illustrates a circumscribed ring-motor 1, with part, i.e.,the stator ring 4, supported on the outside posterior surface of thetank 19, which totally circumscribes the rotor ring 2, which in turn iscoupled on the surface of a disc 13, and transmits the circular oralternate circular movement of the rotor 2, to the tub 20, through anaxis 14 positioned in the center of the disc 13, which overreaches theaforementioned tank 19, and touches the tub 20, thus causing thecircular or alternate circular movement and permitting the optionalremoval of the aforementioned tub at the end of the washing process.

To executed the circular or alternate circular movement of the tub 20 inthe tumbling system in a more simplified manner, we have developed someother forms. One of these consists of using the actual immobile frontsurface of the tank 19, to fix a part of the circumscribed ring-motor 1,i.e., the stator 4, properly encapsulated and protected from contactwith water; and the other part of the motor, consisting of the rotor 2,also encapsulated In plastic and protected against contact with water,coupled to the front surface of the tub 20, totally circumscribed by thestator ring 4, thus obtaining the elements of an electric motor, i.e.rotor and stator that execute the circular or alternate circularmovement of the tub and at the end of the washing process, permit theoptional removal of the tank for use to transport the clothing, togetherwith the rotor 2 (pursuant to FIG. 16).

FIG. 17 illustrates another advantage related to the possibility ofcoupling part of this encapsulated circumscribed ring-motor 1 on thesurface of the lid 21 of the clothes machine, comprising a stator 4,while the other part consisting of a rotor 2 can be coupled on thesurface of the tub 20, thus permitting its circular or alternatecircular movement and expanding the use and application of the conceptin the so-called tumbling system.

Likewise the application of the flat ring-motor 6 is established in thesix alternatives previously illustrated in FIGS. 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 and17, although considering the difference in the design and arrangement ofthe rotor in relation to the stator, with the active sides of its ringsor discs parallel and facing each other, contrary to the circumscribedring-motor where the rotor ring is circumscribed to the stator ring orvice versa, as illustrated by FIGS. 18, 19, 20, 21, 22 and 23.

In FIG. 18, as in FIG. 12, access to the tub 20 is made from the top ofthe machine, one of the parts of the encapsulated flat ring-motor 6, thestator 9, is integrated to the outside lower surface of the tank 19; andthe other part, the rotor 7, is integrated to the surface of a disc 13,which transmits the alternate circular movement of the rotor 7 to thetub 20 through the axis 14, central driver.

In FIG. 19, as in FIG. 13, part of the encapsulated flat ring-motor 6,i.e., the stator 9, is coupled on the immobile top surface of the tank19, and the other part of the motor, consisting of the encapsulatedrotor 7, is coupled to the upper surface of the tub 20.

In FIG. 20, as in FIG. 14, part of the flat ring-motor 6, the stator 9,is encapsulated, coupled on the surface of the lid 21 of the washingmachine, while the other part, i.e., the encapsulated rotor 7, iscoupled on the surface of the tub 20, thus executing the circular andalternate movement of the aforementioned tub 20. In FIG. 21, as in FIG.15, access to the tub 20 is made from the front of the machine, and partof the flat ring-motor 6, the encapsulated stator 9, is coupled to theoutside posterior surface of the tank 19; while another part, the rotor7, is coupled to the surface of a disc 13, which transmits the alternatecircular movement of the rotor 7 to the tub 20 through an axis 14,central driver.

In FIG. 22, as in FIG. 16, part of the encapsulated flat ring-motor 6,i.e. the stator 9, is coupled on the immobile front surface of the tank19, and the other part of the motor, consisting of the encapsulatedrotor 7, is coupled to the front surface of the tub 20.

In FIG. 23 with horizontal cylindrical tanks, as in FIG. 17, part of theflat ring-motor 6, the encapsulated stator 9, is coupled on the surfaceof the clothing access lid 21 of the washing machine, while the otherpart, i.e., the encapsulated rotor 7, is coupled on the surface of thetub 20, thus executing the circular and alternate movement of this tub20.

Furthermore, and also thanks to the use of these innovations in themachines describe above, another highly important application isobtained: in simple tumbling with a tilted washing chamber, preferablyat around 451; this promotes an improved accommodation and a morehomogeneous distribution of clothing inside the tub, which is nowtilted, besides combining the ergonomic advantages of machines that washby agitation, where access to the clothing is made from the top of themachine, with the advantages of washing by simple tumbling, asillustrated by FIGS. 24, 25, 26, 27, 28 and 29.

In FIG. 24, as in FIG. 12, access to the tub 20 is made at the top ofthe machine, which is tilted. One of the parts of the circumscribedring-motor 1, the stator 4, is integrated to the outside top surface ofthe tank 19; and the other part, the rotor 2, is integrated to thesurface of a disc 13, which transmits the alternate circular movement ofthe rotor 2 to the tub 20 through an axis 14.

In FIG. 25, as in FIG. 13, part of the circumscribed ring-motor 1, i.e.,the stator 4, is coupled on the immobile upper surface of the tank 19,now tilted, and the other part of the motor, consisting of the rotor 2,is coupled to the top surface of the tub 20.

In FIG. 26, as in FIG. 14, part of the circumscribed ring-motor 1, i.e.,the stator 4, is coupled on the surface of the lid 21 of the washingmachine, now tilted, while the other part (rotor 2) is coupled on thesurface of the tub 20, thus executing the circular and alternatemovement of this tub 20.

In FIG. 27, as in FIG. 18, access to the tub 20 is made via the tiltedtop part of the machine, only with the flat ring-motor 6, with one ofits parts, the stator 9, integrated to the outside lower surface of thetank 19; and another part, the rotor 7, integrated to the surface of adisc 13, which transmits the circular or alternate movement of the rotor7 to the tub 20 through an axis 14.

FIG. 28, like FIG. 19, now shows s part of the flat ring-motor 6, i.e.,the stator 9, coupled on the immobile top surface of the tank 19, nowtilted, and the other part of the motor, consisting of the rotor 7,coupled to the top surface of the tub 20.

In FIG. 29, as in FIG. 20, part of the flat ring-motor 6, the stator 9,is coupled on the surface of the lid 21 of the now tilted washingmachine, while the other part (rotor 7) is coupled on the surface of thetub 20, thus executing the circular and alternate movement of this tub20.

We can extend the application of the circumscribed ring-motor 1, and ofthe flat motor 6, in machines that wash by agitation with verticaltanks, although using an axis with blades. Hence the alternate movementof the respective axis with blades inside the tank represents theelement responsible for friction between the water and the clothing.This friction can be caused by direct contact of the axis with bladesand the water and clothing, or by indirect contact, if we have a smalleraxis with blades separated from direct contact with the clothing by ascreen or perforated grid, in this case the axis with blades moves thewater which in turn moves the clothing.

To execute the alternate circular movement of the axis with blades 22inside the tub 20 using the so-called agitation system, a circumscribedring-motor 1 is established with part, i.e., the stator ring 4,supported on the outside bottom surface of the tank 19, whichcircumscribes the entire rotor ring 2, which in turn is coupled on thesurface of a disc 13, and transmits the circular or alternate movementof the rotor 2 to the axis with blades 22, through a central drivingaxis 14, positioned in the center of the disc 13, which overreaches thetank 19, and touches the axis with blades 22 during the washing cycle,making it rotate, and that after being uncoupled from the axis withblades 22, touches the tub during the spinning cycle (pursuant to FIG.30).

To execute the alternate circular movement of the axis with blades 22inside the tub 20, using the so-called agitation system, a flatring-motor 1 is established with part, i.e. the stator ring 9, supportedon the outside bottom surface of the water contention tank, tank 19,which completely faces the rotor ring 7, which in turn is coupled on thesurface of a disc 13, and transmits the circular or alternate movementof the rotor 7 to the axis with blades 22, through a central drivingaxis 14, positioned in the center of the disc 13, which overreaches thetank 19, and touches the axis with blades 22 during the washing cycle,making it rotate, and that after being uncoupled from the axis withblades 22, touches the tub 20 during the spinning cycle (pursuant toFIG. 31).

FIG. 32 illustrates the application of the circumscribed ring-motor 1 inthe same manner as in FIG. 30, only with the blade axis separated fromdirect contact with the clothing. For this purpose a circumscribedring-motor 1 is established with part, i.e. the stator ring 4, supportedon the outside bottom surface of the tank 19, and that totallycircumscribes the rotor ring 2, which in turn is coupled on the surfaceof a disc 13, which transmits the circular or alternate movement of therotor 2 to the axis with blades 22, separated from direct contact withthe clothing by a screen or grid 23, through a central driving axis 14,positioned in the center of the disc 13, which overreaches the tank 19,and touches the axis with blades 22 during the washing cycle, making itrotate, and t hat after being uncoupled from the axis with blades 22,touches the tub 20 during the spinning cycle.

FIG. 33 illustrates the application of the flat ring-motor 6 in the samemanner as in FIG. 31, only with the blade axis separated from directcontact with the clothing. For this purpose a flat ring-motor 6 isestablished with part, i.e., the stator ring 9, supported on the outsidebottom surface of the water contention tank, tank 19, which completelyfaces the rotor ring 7, which in turn is coupled on the surface of adisc 13, and transmits the circular or alternate movement of the rotor 7to the axis with blades 22, separated from direct contact with theclothing by a screen or grid 23, through a central driving axis 14,positioned in the center of the disc 13, which overreaches the tank 19,and touches the axis with blades 22 during the washing cycle, making itrotate, and that after being uncoupled from the axis with blades 22,touches the tub 20 during the spinning cycle.

The improvements established herein can also be applied to mini clothesdryers, which like mini washing machines eliminate or reduce variousmechanical components used in transmission such as pulleys, belts andgears, as illustrated in FIGS. 34, 35, 36, 37, 38 and 39.

In FIG. 34, the clothing is accessed from the front part of the minidryer. One of the parts of the circumscribed ring-motor 24, the stator26, is integrated to the outside posterior surface of the tank 19; andthe other part, the rotor 25, is integrated to the surface of a disc 13,which transmits the circular movement of the rotor 25 to the tub 20,through a driving axis 14.

In FIG. 35, part of the circumscribed ring-motor 24 of the mini drier,i.e. the stator 26, is coupled on the immobile front surface or coupledto the front surface of the tub 20.

In FIG. 36, part of the circumscribed ring-motor 24 of the mini drier,i.e. the stator 26, is coupled on the surface of the clothing access lid21 of the clothes dryer, while the other part, the rotor 25, is coupledon the surface of the tub 20, thus executing the circular and alternatemovement of the aforementioned tub 20.

In FIG. 37, as in FIG. 34, one of the parts of the flat ring-motor 27 ofthe mini dryer, the stator 29, is integrated to the outside posteriorsurface of the tank 19; and the other part, the rotor 28, is integratedto the surface of a disc 13, which transmits the circular movement ofthe rotor 28, to the tub 20, through an axis 14.

In FIG. 38, as In FIG. 35, part of the flat ring-motor 27 of the minidryer, i.e., the stator 29, is coupled on the immobile front surface ofthe tank 19; and the other part of the motor, consisting of the rotor28, is coupled to the front surface of the tub 20.

In FIG. 39, as in FIG. 36, part of the flat ring-motor 27, i.e. thestator 29, is coupled on the surface of the clothing access lid 21 ofthe dryer, while the other part, the rotor 28, is coupled on the surfaceof the tub 20, thus executing the circular movement of this tub 20.

Finally the applicant has developed other variations that are related tothe fact that we have fully separated the circumscribed and flatring-motor from the assembly formed by the tank and tub, hence thering-motor is mounted as an autonomous component, totally independentand now called an agitator, responsible for the movement of the tank andtub assembly for washing, spinning or drying.

The tub and tank assembly can occasionally be coupled to theaforementioned agitator for the execution of an intended task.

In this manner we obtain some advantages, including that of being ableto couple varied tanks with dimensions suited to the quantity ofclothing.

Another advantage of an operational nature consists of having thecomponents responsible for the movement, in the case of the ring-motor,of the remaining assembly, tub and tank, totally separate, thuspermitting the separate packaging, transport, handling and even purchaseof the aforementioned components.

In brief, the agitator is the independent ring-motor consisting of arotor and stator appropriately mounted and encapsulated, which transmitsthe circular movement of the rotor through an axis fastened to theassembly, in the case of the tank and tub, the central.

FIG. 40 illustrates the aforementioned agitator 30, comprising acircumscribed electric ring-motor 1, with the stator ring 4, mounted onthe internal perimetric structure of a disc 31, with a hole in itscenter 32. This disc fully circumscribes the rotor ring 2, which iscoupled on the outside perimetric surface of a disc 33, which transmitsthe circular or alternate movement of the rotor 2 through an axis 34,positioned in the center of disc 33, which overreaches the central hole32 of the disk 31. In turn, a bearing 35 is lodged in this hole andsurrounds the supports the aforementioned axis 34, thus guaranteeing thederiving movement of the rotor ring 2, further to the mounting andalignment of the entire assembly, which In turns is closed by a lid 36.

FIG. 41 shows the agitator assembly 37, now using the flat ring-motor 6,with the stator ring 9 mounted on the front of a disc 38, with a hole 39in its center. This disc fully faces the rotor ring 7 in parallel, andthis rotor is coupled on the front of another disc 40, which transmitsthe circular or alternate movement of the rotor 7 through an axis 34,positioned in the center of the disc 40. This axis overreaches thecentral hole 39 of the disk 38. In turn, this hole has an lodged bearing35, which surrounds and supports this axis 34, thus guaranteeing thederiving movement of the rotor ring 7, further to the mounting andalignment of the entire assembly, which in turn is closed by a lid 36.

FIG. 42 shows the agitator assembly 30, totally mounted and closed withits central axis 34.

These are obviously just a few schematic examples. It is clear than anyalterations introduced in this invention are included in and protectedby this patent.

1. “IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TO CLOTHES WASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”,characterized by the established incorporation in the aforementionedclothes washing machines and dryers of a circumscribed ring-motor (1)with rotor and stator rings circumscribed to each other, encapsulatedseparately by plastic and protected from contact with water. Theaforementioned motor (1) consists more specifically of a rotor ring (2)with a smaller diameter and permanent magnets (3) on its surface,arranged in parallel and equidistantly, while the other part of themotor consists of another ring, i.e., the stator (coil) (4) with alarger diameter that completely surrounds and circumscribes the rotorring (2) or vice versa, making It rotate circularly around an axis. 2.“IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TO CLOTHES WASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”,according to claim 1, characterized by the application of a squirrelgrid (5) encapsulated in plastic to substitute the permanent magnets (3)of the rotor (2) and of the ring-motor (1):
 3. “IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCEDTO CLOTHES WASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”, characterized by theestablished incorporation in the aforementioned clothes washing machinesand dryers of a flat ring-motor (6) separately encapsulated in plastic,protected from contact with water and consisting of a flat rotor ring(7) with permanent magnets (9) arranged equidistantly on its surface,while the other part of this motor consists of a stator ring (coil) (9),arranged in parallel to the rotor ring (7) with its active side facingthe active side of the rotor ring (7), making it rotate circularlyaround an axis.
 4. “IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TO CLOTHES WASHING ANDDRYING MACHINES”, according to claim 3, characterized by the applicationof a squirrel grid (10) to substitute the permanent magnets (8) of therotor (7) and of the ring-motor (6).
 5. “IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TOCLOTHES WASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”, according to claim 1,characterized by the independent mounting of the circumscribedring-motor (1), with its stator ring (4) mounted on the internalperimetric structure of a disc (11) with a hole (12) in its center. Thisdisc totally circumscribes the rotor ring (2), which in turn is coupledon the external perimetric surface of another disc (13), which transmitsthe circular or alternate movement of the rotor (2) via an axis (14)positioned in the center of the aforementioned disk (13), whichoverreaches the central hole (12) of the disc (11). This hole has alodged bearing (15), which surrounds and supports the aforementionedaxis (14), thus guaranteeing the movement of the rotor ring (2) as wellas the mounting and alignment of the assembly.
 6. “IMPROVEMENTSINTRODUCED TO CLOTHES WASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”, according to claim3, characterized by the independent mounting of the flat ring-motor (6),with part of this motor, i.e., its stator ring (9) mounted on the frontof a disc (11), with a hole (12) in its center. This disc fully facesthe rotor ring (7) in parallel, which in turn is coupled on the front ofanother disc (13), which transmits the circular or alternate movement ofthe rotor (7) through an axis (14) positioned in the center of theaforementioned disk (13), which overreaches the central hole (12) of thedisk (11). This hole has a lodged bearing (15), which surrounds andsupports the aforementioned axis (14), thus guaranteeing the movement ofthe rotor ring (7) further to the mounting and alignment of the entireassembly.
 7. “IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TO CLOTHES WASHING AND DRYINGMACHINES”, according to claim 1, characterized by another form ofindependent mounting of the circumscribed ring-motor (1), in which therotor ring (2) and the stator ring (4) are coupled respectively on thesurface of the internal bearing rings (16) and external bearing (17) ofa bearing (R). In this case the outside surface of the internalbipartite bearing ring (16) is used to fix a part of the circumscribedring-motor (1), i.e., the rotor (2) and on the internal surface of theexternal bearing ring (17) the other part of the circumscribedring-motor (1), i.e., the stator (4), or vice versa, and between themtwo tracks of spheres or ring rollers (18), which guarantee theconcentricity, mounting and independent movement of the rings, and keepthe central space or core of the rings free for direct fastening of theobject to be rotated.
 8. “IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TO CLOTHES WASHING ANDDRYING MACHINES”, according to claims 1 or 3, characterized by theestablishment of a Brushless BDC type ring-motor, comprising anencapsulated stator ring with embricado type three phase bearing, withan “N” number of poles, covered by a toothless magnetic core (crown ofthe stator) and an encapsulated rotor consisting of “N” permanentmagnets arranged equidistantly, supported by a magnetic conductor arch(rotor ring). The bearings of the stator are supplied by a drive with amono phase input.
 9. “IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TO CLOTHES WASHING ANDDRYING MACHINES”, according to claims I or 3, and in a variation,characterized by the optional presentation of a Brushless BDC typering-motor, encapsulated in plastic, comprising a stator ring (4) withan embricado type three phase bearing with 90 poles, covered by atoothless magnetic core (crown of the stator) and a rotor (2) consistingof 90 permanent magnets (3) arranged in parallel and equidistantly,supported by a magnetic conductor ring (rotor crown). The bearings ofthe stator are supplied by an Adrive with a mono phase 220-volt input.10. “IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TO CLOTHES WASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”,according to claims 1 or 3, characterized by the fact that the permanentmagnets of the rotor (2) of the circumscribed ring-motor (1), and rotor(7) of the flat ring-motor (6) are manufactured in ferrite (syntherized)and subsequently polymerized.
 11. “IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TO CLOTHESWASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”, according to claim 1, characterized by thefact that parts of the circumscribed ring-motor (1), are mounted on thesurface of the tank and tub of the mini washing machine with verticalcylindrical tanks that wash by agitation.
 12. “IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCEDTO CLOTHES WASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”, according to claim 11, and in avariation, characterized by the design of part of the encapsulatedcircumscribed ring-motor (1), i.e., the stator ring (4), supported onthe outside lower surface of the water contention chamber, tank (19)which totally circumscribes the rotor ring (2), which in turn is coupledon the surface of a disc (13) and transmits the circular and alternatecircular movement of the rotor (2), to the perforated washing chamber,tub (20), through a central axis (14), positioned at the center of thedisk (13), which overreaches the aforementioned tank (19), and touchesthe tub (20) thus causing its circular or alternate movement. 13.“IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TO CLOTHES WASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”,according to claim 11, and in a variation, characterized by the use ofthe actual immobile upper surface of the tank (19) to fix part of thecircumscribed ring-motor (1) i.e., the stator (4), properly encapsulatedand protected from contact with water. The other part of this motor,consisting of the also plastically encapsulated rotor (2), is coupled tothe upper surface of tub (20), and totally surrounded by the stator ring(4).
 14. “IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TO CLOTHES WASHING AND DRYINGMACHINES”, according to claim 11, and in a variation, characterized bythe fact that part of this circumscribed ring-motor (1), i.e. the stator(4), is coupled on the surface of the lid (21) of the washing machine,while the other part of this motor, i.e., the rotor (2), can be coupledon the surface of the tub (20), thus executing the circular andalternate movement of the aforementioned tub (20).
 15. “IMPROVEMENTSINTRODUCED TO CLOTHES WASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”, according to claim1, characterized by the fact that parts of the circumscribed ring-motor(1), are mounted on the surface of the tank and tub of the mini washingmachine with vertical cylindrical tanks, which wash by tumbling. 16.“IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TO CLOTHES WASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”,according to claim 15, characterized by the fact that a circumscribedring-motor (1) is established as part of same, i.e., the stator ring (4)supported on the outside posterior surface of the tank (19), whichtotally circumscribes the rotor ring (2), which in turn is coupled onthe surface of a disc (13), and transmits the circular and alternatecircular movement of the rotor (2), to the tub (20), through an axis(14), positioned In the center of the disc (13), which overreaches theaforementioned tank (19), and touches the tub (20), thus causing itscircular or alternate circular movement.
 17. “IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TOCLOTHES WASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”, according to claim 15, and in avariation, characterized by the use of the actual immobile front surfaceof the tank (19) to fix part of the circumscribed motor (1), i.e. thestator (4), properly encapsulated and protected from contact with water;while the other part of the aforementioned motor, consisting of therotor (2), which is encapsulated in plastic and protected from contactwith water, is coupled to the front surface of the tub (20), totallycircumscribed by the stator ring (4), thus obtaining the elements of anelectric motor, i.e., rotor and stator, which execute the circular oralternate circular movement of the tub (20).
 18. “IMPROVEMENTSINTRODUCED TO CLOTHES WASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”, according to claim15, and in a variation, characterized by the fact that part of thiscircumscribed ring-motor (1), consisting of the stator (4) is coupled onthe surface of the lid (21) of the washing machine, while the other partof this motor, consisting of a rotor (2), can be coupled on the surfaceof the tub (20), thus executing the circular or alternate movement ofthe aforementioned tub (20).
 19. “IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TO CLOTHESWASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”, according to claim 3, characterized by thefact that parts of the flat ring-motor (6) are mounted on the surface ofthe tank and tub of the mini washing machine with vertical cylindricaltanks that wash by agitation.
 20. “IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TO CLOTHESWASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”, according to claim 19, and in a variation,characterized by the fact that part of the flat ring-motor (6), i.e.,the stator ring (9), is supported on the outside lower surface of thetank (19), which completely faces the rotor ring (7), which in turn iscoupled on the surface of a disc (13), and transmits the circular oralternate circular movement of the rotor (7) to the tub (20) through anaxis (14) positioned in the center of the disk (13), which overreachesthe aforementioned tank (19), and touches the tub (20), thus causing thecircular or alternate circular movement.
 21. “IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TOCLOTHES WASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”, according to claim 19, and in avariation, characterized by the design of part of the flat ring-motor(6), i.e., the stator (9), coupled to the immobile upper surface of thetank (19) while the other part of this motor, consisting of the rotor(7), is coupled to the upper surface of the tub (20), thus causing thecircular and alternate movement of the aforementioned tub (20). 22.“IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TO CLOTHES WASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”,according to claim 19, and in a variation, characterized by the designof part of the flat ring-motor (6), i.e., the stator (9), coupled on thesurface of the lid (21) of the mini washing machine, while the otherpart, i.e. the rotor (7), is coupled on the surface of the tub (20),thus executing the circular and alternate movement of the aforementionedtub (20).
 23. “IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TO CLOTHES WASHING AND DRYINGMACHINES”, according to claim 3, characterized by the fact that parts ofthe flat ring-motor (6), are mounted on the surface of the tank and tubof the mini washing machine with horizontal cylindrical tanks that washby tumbling.
 24. “IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TO CLOTHES WASHING AND DRYINGMACHINES”, according to claim 23, and in a variation, characterized bythe fact that part of the flat ring-motor (6), i.e., the stator ring(9), is supported on the outside posterior surface of the tank (19),which fully faces the rotor ring (7), which In turn is coupled on thesurface of a disc (13), and transmits the circular or alternate circularmovement of the rotor (7) to the tub (20) through an axis (14),positioned in the center of the disc (13), which overreaches theaforementioned tank (19), and touches the tub (20), thus causing thecircular or alternate circular movement.
 25. “IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TOCLOTHES WASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”, according to claim 23, and in avariation, characterized by the design of part of the flat ring-motor(6), i.e., the stator (9), coupled on the immobile front surface of thetank (19), while the other part of this motor, consisting of the rotor(7) is coupled to the front surface of the tub (20).
 26. “IMPROVEMENTSINTRODUCED TO CLOTHES WASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”, according to claim23, and in a variation, characterized by the design of part of the flatring-motor (6), i.e., the stator (9), coupled on the surface of theclothing access lid (21) of the mini washing machine, while the otherpart of this motor, i.e., the rotor (7), is coupled on the surface ofthe tub (20), thus executing the circular and alternate movement of theaforementioned tub (20).
 27. “IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TO CLOTHES WASHINGAND DRYING MACHINES”, according to claim 1, characterized by the factthat parts of the circumscribed ring-motor (1), are mounted on thesurface of the tank and tub of the mini washing machine that washes bytumbling with cylindrical tanks arranged in a tilted fashion. 28.“IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TO CLOTHES WASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”,according to claim 27, characterized by the fact that the circumscribedring-motor (1), is applied in mini washing machines that wash by simpletumbling, with cylindrical tanks arranged at a tilt, preferably at 451.29. “IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TO CLOTHES WASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”,according to claim 27, and In a variation, characterized by the designof part of the encapsulated circumscribed ring-motor (1), i.e., thestator ring (4), supported on the outside lower surface of the tiltedtank (19), which totally circumscribes the rotor ring (2), which In turnis coupled on the surface of a disc (13), and transmits the circular andalternate circular movement of the rotor (2) to the perforated washingchamber, tub (20), through a central axis (14), positioned in the centerof the disc (13), which overreaches the aforementioned tank (19) andtouches the s tub (20), thus causing its circular or alternate movement.30. “IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TO CLOTHES WASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”,according to claim 27, and in a variation, characterized by the designof part of the circumscribed ring-motor (1), i.e., the stator (4),coupled on the Immobile upper surface of the tilted tank (19), while theother part of this motor, consisting of the rotor (2), is coupled to theupper surface of the tub (20).
 31. “IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TO CLOTHESWASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”, according to claim 27, and in a variation,characterized by the design of part of the circumscribed ring-motor (1),I.e., the stator (4), coupled on the surface of the lid (21) of thetilted washing machine, while the other part, i.e., the rotor (2), iscoupled on the surface of the tub (20), thus executing the circular andalternate movement of the aforementioned tub (20).
 32. “IMPROVEMENTSINTRODUCED TO CLOTHES WASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”, according to claim3, characterized by the fact that parts of the flat ring-motor (6) areapplied In mini washing machines that wash by simple tumbling, withcylindrical tanks (19) arranged in a tilted fashion.
 33. “IMPROVEMENTSINTRODUCED TO CLOTHES WASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”, according to claim32, characterized by the fact that that the flat ring-motor (6) isapplied in mini washing machines that wash by simple tumbling, withcylindrical tanks arranged in a tilted fashion, preferably at
 451. 34.“IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TO CLOTHES WASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”,according to claim 32, and in a variation, characterized by the designof part of the flat ring-motor (6), i.e., the stator ring (9), supportedon the outside lower surface of the tilted tank (19), which completelyfaces the rotor ring (7), which In turn is coupled on the surface of adisc (13), and transmits the circular or alternate circular movement ofthe rotor (7), to the tub (20) through an axis (14), positioned in thecenter of the disc (13), which overreaches the aforementioned tank (19),and touches the tub (20), thus causing the circular or alternatecircular movement.
 35. “IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TO CLOTHES WASHING ANDDRYING MACHINES”, according to claim 32, and in a variation,characterized by the design of part of the flat ring-motor (6), i.e.,the stator ring (9), coupled on the immobile upper surface of the tiltedtank (19), while the other part of this motor, consisting of the rotor(7) is coupled to the upper surface of the tub (20).
 36. “IMPROVEMENTSINTRODUCED TO CLOTHES WASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”, according to claim32, and in a variation, characterized by the design of part of the flatring-motor (6), i.e., the now tilted stator ring (9), coupled on thesurface of the lid (21) of the tilted washing machine, while the otherpart, i.e., the rotor (7), is coupled on the surface of the tub (20),thus executing the circular and alternate movement of the aforementionedtub (20).
 37. “IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TO CLOTHES WASHING AND DRYINGMACHINES”, according to claim 1, characterized by the establishedapplication of the circumscribed ring-motor (1) in mini washing machinesthat wash by agitation with vertical cylindrical tanks and that use anaxis with blades (22) fixed to the central base of the aforementionedtub (20), to cause direct friction between the water and clothing. 38.“IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TO CLOTHES WASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”,according to claim 37, and in a variation, characterized by the designof part of a circumscribed ring-motor (1), i.e. the stator ring (4),supported on the outside lower surface of the tank (19), and thatcompletely circumscribes the rotor ring (2), which in turn is coupled onthe surface of a disc (13), and transmits the circular or alternatemovement of the rotor (2), to the axis with blades (22) through acentral driving axis (14), positioned in the center of the disc (13),which overreaches the tank (19), and touches the axis with blades (22),which in turn directly touches the water and clothing during the washingcycle, making them rotate alternately, and that after having beenuncoupled from the axis with blades (22) touches the tub (20) during thespinning cycle.
 39. “IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TO CLOTHES WASHING ANDDRYING MACHINES”, according to claim 1, and in a variation,characterized by the established application of the circumscribedring-motor (1) In mini washing machines that wash by agitation withvertical cylindrical tanks and that use an axis with blades (22) fixedto the central base of the aforementioned tub (20), to indirectly movethe water and clothing, now separated from direct contact with theclothing by a perforated grid (23).
 40. “IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TOCLOTHES WASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”, according to claim 39, and in avariation, characterized by the design of part of a circumscribedring-motor (1), i.e. the stator ring (4), supported on the outside lowersurface of the tank (19), and that completely circumscribes the rotorring (2), which in turn is coupled on the surface of a disc (13), whichtransmits the circular or alternate movement of the rotor (2), to theaxis with blades (22), separated from direct contact with clothing by ascreen or grid (23), through a central driving axis (14), positioned inthe center of the disc (13), which overreaches the tank (19), andtouches the axis with blades (22) during the washing cycle, making itrotate, and that after having been uncoupled from the axis with blades(22) touches the tub during the spinning cycle.
 41. “IMPROVEMENTSINTRODUCED TO CLOTHES WASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”, according to claim3, characterized by the established application of the flat ring-motor(6) in mini washing machines that wash by agitation with verticalcylindrical tanks and that use an axis with blades (22) fixed to thecentral base of the aforementioned tub (20), to cause direct frictionbetween the water and clothing.
 42. “IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TO CLOTHESWASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”, according to claim 41, and in a variation,characterized by the design of part of a flat ring-motor (6), i.e. thestator ring (9), supported on the outside lower surface of the tank(19), and that completely faces the rotor ring (7), which in turn iscoupled on the surface of a disc (13), which transmits the circular oralternate movement of the rotor (7), to the axis with blades (22)through a central driving axis (14), positioned in the center of thedisc (13), which overreaches the tank (19), and touches the axis withblades (22), which in turn directly touches the water and clothingduring the washing cycle, making them rotate alternately, and that afterhaving been uncoupled from the axis with blades (22) touches the tubduring the spinning cycle.
 43. “IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TO CLOTHESWASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”, according to claim 3, and in a variation,characterized by the established application of the flat ring-motor (6)in mini washing machines that wash by agitation with verticalcylindrical tanks and that use an axis with blades (22) fixed to thecentral base of the aforementioned tub (20), to indirectly move thewater and clothing, now separated from direct contact with clothing by aperforated grid (23).
 44. “IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TO CLOTHES WASHINGAND DRYING MACHINES”, according to claim 43, and in a variation,characterized by the design of part of a flat ring-motor (6), i.e. thestator ring (9), supported on the outside lower surface of the tank(19), and that completely faces the rotor ring (7), which in turn iscoupled on the surface of a disc (13), which transmits the circular oralternate movement of the rotor (7), to the axis with blades (22),separated from direct contact with the clothing by a screen or grid(23), through a central driving axis (14), positioned In the center ofthe disc (13), which overreaches the tank (19), and touches the axiswith blades (22) during the washing cycle, making it rotate, and thatafter having been uncoupled from the axis with blades (22) touches thetub (20) during the spinning cycle.
 45. “IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TOCLOTHES WASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”, according to claim 1,characterized by the fact that the circumscribed ring-motor (1) is alsoapplied in mini dryers, with horizontal cylindrical tanks. 46.“IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TO CLOTHES WASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”,according to claim 45, and in a variation, characterized by the designof part of the circumscribed ring-motor (24) of the dryer, i.e., thestator ring (26), integrated to the outside posterior surface of thetank (19); and the other part, i.e. the rotor (25), integrated to thesurface of a disc (13), that transmits the circular movement of therotor (25) to the tub (20) through a driving axis (14). 47.“IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TO CLOTHES WASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”,according to claim 45, and in a variation, characterized by the designof part of the circumscribed ring-motor (24) of the dryer, i.e., thestator (26), coupled on the immobile front surface of the tank (19), andthe other part of the motor, consisting of the rotor (25), coupled tothe front surface of the tub (20).
 48. “IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TOCLOTHES WASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”, according to claim 45, and in avariation, characterized by the design of part of the circumscribedring-motor (24) of the dryer, i.e., the stator (26), coupled on thesurface of the clothing access lid (21) of the clothes dryer, while theother part, i.e. the rotor (25), is coupled on the surface of the tub(20), thus executing the circular and alternate movement of theaforementioned tub (20).
 49. “IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TO CLOTHES WASHINGAND DRYING MACHINES”, according to claim 3, characterized by the factthat they are also applied in mini dryers with horizontal tanks. 50.“IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TO CLOTHES WASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”,according to claim 49, and in a variation, characterized by the designof part of the flat ring-motor (27) of the mini dryer, i.e., the stator(29), coupled on the outside posterior surface of the tank (19), and theother part of the motor, i.e. the rotor (28), integrated to the surfaceof a disc (13), that transmits the circular movement of the rotor (28)to the tub (20) through an axis (14).
 51. “IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TOCLOTHES WASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”, according to claim 49, and in avariation, characterized by the design of part of the flat ring-motor(27) of the mini dryer, i.e., the stator (29), coupled on the immobilefront surface of the tank (19), and the other part of this motor,consisting of the rotor (28), coupled to the front surface of the tub(20).
 52. “IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TO CLOTHES WASHING AND DRYINGMACHINES”, according to claim 49, and in a variation, characterized bythe design of part of the flat ring-motor (27) of the mini dryer, i.e.,the stator (29), coupled on the surface of the clothing access lid (21)of the dryer, while the other part, i.e. the rotor (28) is coupled onthe surface of the tub (20), thus executing the circular and alternatemovement of the aforementioned tub (20).
 53. “IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TOCLOTHES WASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”, according to claim 1,characterized by the fact that the circumscribed ring-motor (1) istotally isolated as an independent and autonomous component to becoupled to the assembly (tank and tub) for specific tasks such aswashing and spinning or drying, now called an agitator. 54.“IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TO CLOTHES WASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”,according to claim 53, characterized by establishing that the agitator(30) shall consist of a circumscribed electric ring-motor (1), with thestator ring (4) mounted on the internal perimetric structure of a disc(31), with a hole (32) in its center. This disc totally circumscribesthe rotor ring (2), which is coupled on the outside perimetric surfaceof a disc (33), which transmits the circular or alternate movement ofthe rotor (2), through an axis (34) positioned in the center of the disc(33), which overreaches the central hole (32) of the disc (31). In turn,this hole has a lodged bearing (35), which surrounds and supports thisaxis (34), thus guaranteeing the deriving movement of the rotor ring(2), further to the mounting and alignment of the entire assembly, whichin turn is closed by a side lid (36).
 55. “IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TOCLOTHES WASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”, according to claim 3,characterized by the fact that the flat ring-motor (6) is totallyisolated as an independent and autonomous component to be coupled to theassembly (tank and tub) for specific tasks such as washing and spinningor drying, now called an agitator.
 56. “IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TOCLOTHES WASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”, according to claim 55,characterized by establishing that the agitator (37) shall consist of aflat ring-motor (6), with the stator ring (9) mounted on the front of adisc (38), with a hole (39) in its center. This disc totally faces therotor ring (7) in parallel, and this ring is coupled on the front ofanother disc (40), which transmits the circular or alternate movement ofthe rotor (7), through an axis (34) positioned in the center of the disc(43). This axis overreaches the central hole (39) of the disc (38). Inturn, this hole has a lodged bearing (35), which surrounds and supportsthis axis (34), thus guaranteeing the deriving movement of the rotorring (7), further to the mounting and alignment of the entire assembly,which in turn is closed by a lid (36).
 57. “IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED TOCLOTHES WASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”, according to claims 1 or 3,characterized by the fact that circumscribed ring-motors (1) and flatring-motors (6) are also applied in washing machines that operate bysimple tumbling with horizontal cylindrical tanks.
 58. “IMPROVEMENTSINTRODUCED TO CLOTHES WASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”, according to claims1 or 3, characterized by the fact that circumscribed ring-motors (1) andflat ring-motors (6) are also applied in washing machines that operateby agitation with vertical cylindrical tanks.
 59. “IMPROVEMENTSINTRODUCED TO CLOTHES WASHING AND DRYING MACHINES”, according to claims11, or 15, or 19, or 20, or 23, or 27 or 28, characterized by the factthat the tub (20) can be optionally removed from the washing machine atthe end of the washing process, together with the clothing.